Title
To recognize and celebrate the Neighborhood Design Center on their 40th Anniversary of serving small businesses and communities in the City of Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Design Center (NDC), located at 1445 Summit Street, is celebrating their 40 years of creating stronger communities in Central Ohio; and
WHEREAS, formerly known as the Neighborhood Design Assistance Center, the Neighborhood Design Center was established in 1982 by architect Bob Busser. From the very beginning, the City of Columbus and The Ohio State University were funding partners; and
WHEREAS, NDC is committed to neighborhood revitalization through access to affordable, professional design services. Historically clients of community design centers are individuals and community groups working to revitalize economically distressed areas; and
WHEREAS, the mission of NDC is to promote economic prosperity and an enriched quality of life through the rediscovery and revitalization of the built environment in underserved communities. Their team of design professionals and students utilize design thinking, public engagement, project visioning, and advocacy in the pursuit of these aspirations; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus receives Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) funds which started in 1982 with the Short North and now includes other neighborhoods such as Franklinton, Hilltop, Southside, Near East Side, and Linden. Currently, the NDC offers free design services to eligible properties in seven commercial corridors in support of small businesses and community organizations; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Department of Neighborhoods partnered with the Neighborhood Design Center to produce strategic community plans for both the Linden (One Linden, 2018) and Hilltop (Envision Hilltop, 2020) neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council is thankful for the work and leadership of the Neighborhood Design Center over the past 40 years and looks forward to continuing this partnership for years to come; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby recognize and celebrate the Neighborhood Design Center on their 40th Anniversary of serving small businesses and communities in Columbus, Ohio.